The action of the USA and Israel against Iran raise serious concerns under International Law regarding sovereignty and use of force. while often justified as self defense, they have increased regional instability.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
NEW DELHI: USA and Israel operation against Iran, including millitary strikes, assassinations, cyberattacks has exacerbated regional instability. These are frequently defended as preventive security measures or self defence. But these acts raise serious legal concerns under International Laws around sovereignty, proportionality and the use of force.
Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion”, targeting Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities in Natanz, as well as its ballistic missile infrastructure, key military commanders, and nuclear scientists. The US launched powerful airstrikes on three major nuclear sites in Iran — Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. These locations are known to be critical parts of Iran’s nuclear enrichment program.
Background: Iran-Israel-USA Conflict
The relationship between Iran, the USA, and Israel has been hostile for decades, that is shaped by Iran’s Islamic Revolution (1979), support of terrorist groups including Hezbollah, Hamas, and nuclear program.
More than four decades after the 1979 Iranian Revolution, tensions between the United States and Iran remain high due to Iran’s advancing nuclear program and continued support for terrorist militias across the Middle East.
Iran has pursued nuclear development since 1957, with covert sites exposed in 2002, leading to heavy international sanctions and UN Security Council resolutions. The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) significantly limited Iran’s uranium enrichment in sanctions relief but failed to address its ballistic missile program. In 2018, the U.S. under President Trump withdrew from the JCPOA and reimposed sanctions, prompting Iran to exceed enrichment limits and increase regional military activity.
Tensions escalated in 2023–2024 as Iran-backed groups carried out over 200 attacks on U.S. and Israeli targets, and Iran launched its first-ever direct missile strike on Israel. On June 13, 2025, Israel responded with “Operation Rising Lion,” a massive airstrike targeting Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility, military bases, and top leadership, including IRGC chief Hossein Salami and military head Mohammad Bagheri—marking a major turning point in the regional conflict.
Violation of International Law
Article 2(4) of UN Charter, prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. Israel’s repeated airstrikes in Syria and Lebanon targeting Iranian forces is violation of this article.
Under Customary Internationl Law, all states have the right to sovereignequality and non- intervention. Covert operation like cyberattack, assassinations of Iranian scientists and military actions in countries like Iraq, Syria is violation of Iran’s sovereign rights and territorial integrity.
Article 6 of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) states “no one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his life“. Targeted assassinations like Soleimani or Iranian nuclear Scientists without judicial process violates the right to life and is extrajudicial executions under International Human Rights law.
International Humanitarian Law applies during armed conflicts. it prohibits attacks on civilians. Traget over civilian infrastructure or dual use facilities or occurance of civilian casualties due to disproportionate use of force is violation of Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocols.
UN General Assembly Resolution 3314 defines aggression as “use of armed force by a State against the sovereignty, territorial integrity or political independence of another State” which is violation of UN Charter. Many of the preemptive strikes or bombings could be justified as act of aggression, especially without Security Council authorization or immediate self defense.
While Iran is a party to the NPT i.e., Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, actions such as cyber sabotage or attacks on its peaceful nuclear facilities may contradict the spirit of the NPT, especially if they affect nuclear safty and cooperation under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) oversight.
If Iranian consultates or diplomatic personnel are attacked abroad, it violates protections under the Vienna Convention, which safeguards diplomatic missions from harm.
ALSO READ: Military Attacks on Nuclear Sites Violate UN Charter and International Law: IAEA
Role of International Court of Justice(ICJ)
In terms of legal recourse, the International Court of Justice (ICJ)—the principal judicial organ of the United Nations- has the authority to adjudicate disputes between nations, including violations of international law.
ICJ settles state to state disputes under international laws, which requires consent of both parties .It provides legal forum for Iran to challenge actions by the USA and Israel such as military strikes, sanctions and assassinations under International laws. it can interpret treaties or principles like sovereignty or use of force. It has no jurisdiction over individuals unlike International Criminal Courts (ICC).
ALSO READ: Indian Judge Dalveer Bhandari Supports ICJ Order Against Israel
The USA and Israel’s actions against Iran, though framed as security measures, have escalated regional tensions raised critical concerns under International Law. The role of the ICJ remains important for legal accountability, depite its limited enforcement power.
Click Here to Read More Reports on Iran-Israel Conflict
FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES
